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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historic structure of a building. It reflects in varying degree the technology and materials of the time period it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking great and working properly. The most common maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could mean replacing old glass units, fixing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills that allow for better air sealing.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To avoid this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is important to minimize the number of holes made into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in when they were built. They also may have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, which were merely a series of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is discovered. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible it is the same species as which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glazing was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for more expansive and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to remember that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is sensible to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows of the past often have a historical value that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but they are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be preventable by quick and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, which can lead to the formation of mildew in the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected by a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is crucial to select the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and quick emergency upvc door seal repair near me repairs (simply click the following webpage) can prolong the life of wooden windows. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and completed with the minimum disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is feasible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the 'key' of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers that could have historical significance.

If a portion of wood is rotting the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated using wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't harm the character of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the character of the building originally. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.